Strategic Projects Lead

About this job

Handshake is seeking a Strategic Projects Lead for its India team to own the execution of large-scale human data programs that power frontier AI model training and evaluation. Handshake powers millions of job seekers, employers, and educational institutions, and recently launched Handshake AI to work directly with frontier AI lab researchers. In this role, you will work hands-on with leading AI labs and technology companies, making real-time decisions that impact revenue, margins, delivery quality, and customer relationships. A normal day involves leading end-to-end execution of AI data programs, coordinating large groups of expert Fellows to meet delivery timelines, designing workflows to improve throughput and margins, and partnering with senior stakeholders and frontier AI labs to scope and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs delivering significant ARR-equivalent impact
• Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows to meet aggressive delivery timelines
• Maintain strict quality and cost targets while executing programs
• Design and adapt staffing models, incentives, and workflows to improve throughput, margins, and delivery reliability
• Partner directly with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to shape scope and resolve issues
• Expand programs through successful execution and handle changing operational requirements

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in technical or analytical roles such as software engineering, data, analytics, or technical product
• A technical degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a similar field
• Hands-on experience with coding including Python, SQL, or similar
• Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills including experience with senior customers
• High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability
• Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends

Good to have

• Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces
• Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery
• Background in productOps, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting

Who should apply

This role suits experienced operators and technical professionals who thrive in ambiguity, move fast with incomplete information, and want to take full accountability for large-scale results. Ideal candidates will possess a strong technical background with years of experience in analytics, software, or product roles, combined with top-tier stakeholder management and problem-solving abilities. Freshers should not apply as the position explicitly requires six plus years of relevant experience.

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